- Use your strength! - Push harder then!
- I am pushing! - Where is your strength?
What's this?
The gate is locked!
Where are all the guards!
- Sir! - Oh, did you go to the Royal Weaponry?
Yes. They told me that the weapons won't be repaired until a few months later.
- What are you doing here? - Can't you tell? We're waiting for this gate to be unlocked!
What?
I've been moving weapons all day because the Palace Army is off somewhere!
Are they trying to make me go crazy?
Don't be too upset. I heard that the five armies are doing some training today.
- Think they're all there. - What?
- But the training is usually in the spring! - Chief Inspector Hong gave an order.
He is selecting men from the five armies that are skilled in martial arts and weaponry.
What are you talking about? Chief Inspector Hong is selecting men?
- For what? - I don't know either.
- Do you know anything about this? - No, this is the first time hearing it.
How come he didn't inform us when he was doing such a thing?
He can't do this to us!
Where is he? I'm going to go ask him myself!
He is skilled in sword fighting, horsemanship and even archery.
He has always won first place in the military service examinations.
His military record is also one of the finest in the country.
We need more background information. Please make sure you investigate him closely.
Alright.
The treasury is in dire straits this year.
Yes, the famine due to the cold winters have been bad the past couple of years.
Please forgive me, but I think we should stop handing out rice and grain to the poor
so that the Treasury can be restored.
How can you blame the people for the state of the Treasury?
According to my findings, expenditures are at the same levels of when King Yeonsan was in rule.
We will need to reevaluate all costs of each ministry and bureau and reduce expenses.
- You're here. - Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.
Indeed?
- Establish a new agency for palace security? - Yes, Your Majesty.
The attempts on your life have not ceased even after you have become king.
You need dedicated guards to protect you around the clock.
I am protected by the Palace Army. Do you think this is really necessary?
Absolutely. The roots of No Ron stretch far in government.
The military officers of the Palace Army are no exception.
The names I have selected are officers of the Five Armies who have no political leanings.
You must create an army with men like them who can protect you at all times.
I will back down on everything else, but I will not back down on this.
Please accept my proposal, Your Majesty.
You're angry with me, aren't you?
What?
You helped me get on the throne, but now I don't even consult with you.
You're furious with me. Am I wrong?
- How can you say that, Your Majesty? I just... - Alright.
You've made your point regarding my security.
- I will heed your advice. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
However, I cannot accept this proposal.
What?
All the men you recommended to head up this new unit does not meet my approval.
I will find others more suitable and trustworthy.
- But they have been selected as the best... - They do not meet my approval.
Yes, I understand, Your Majesty.
- Sir, I have a question. - What is it?
I heard that you have been selecting men from the five armies. Why are you doing this?
Do I have to report myself to you?
- It's none of your business! - We...
Did you hear that, Dae Su?
How can he do this? How can he do this to us?
Chief Inspector Hong must have a good reason. Please be calm.
How can I be calm?
He's discarding us now that we're of no use!
The attempts on your life have not ceased even after you have become king.
You must created an army with men like them who can protect you at all times.
I will finish you off painlessly, Your Majesty.
You're really getting married to Mak Soon?
Are you serious? Are you really getting married?
- That's what I just said! - Congratulations, Uncle!
Thank you, Song Yeon. You two have yet to be married.
- I don't know if I should be ashamed at my age. - Not at all, Uncle!
- Why are you looking at me like that? - You mean Mak Soon really said yes?
She knows you're a you-know-what, right?
How could she? That's so strange.
What's so strange? Eunuchs get married too!
That's because they're rich and powerful! You're practically a beggar!
Why in the world would Mak Soon want to marry you?
Stop it. So when is the wedding?
- We're just going to have a simple ceremony. - No! We have to have a feast!
Dae Su and I will take care of the preparations. And I'll draw you a folding screen for your chamber!
Thank you, Song Yeon!
Wretched boy...!
You're so cute!
Song Yeon! Oh my poor Song Yeon!
- Are you sleeping? - No.
I think I'm going to have to move to Mak Soon's inn.
But if I do that, then it'll just be the two of you here in this house.
So why don't you get married too?
Married? To whom?
Who else? To Song Yeon! I know you're in love with her.
Just make her yours at this opportunity. Even a eunuch like me can get married.
Why can't you?
Dae Su! Dae Su!
What about Song Yeon? You want to, right?
What's wrong with you?
Oh, Dae Su!
- So everyone is here? - Yes, Sir.
An official from the Ministry of Rites came and praised our efforts on the funeral and coronation.
They have also announced promotions.
- Who is being promoted, Sir? - This year, it will be Artist Tak and...
you, Artist Yi.
I'm being promoted?
Congratulations, Sir!
- Come forward, both of you! - Yes, Sir!
Here.
Both of you have been promoted to eighth level, Royal Artists.
You must both work harder in the Bureau.
Yes, Sir! We will do so!
What a happy day for the Bureau!
Royal Artist Yi Chun, Eight Level!
I haven't been promoted for so long!
I've been working at the Bureau for over ten years!
- Aren't you so excited? - You're such a bumpkin to be so excited over this.
Royal Artist Yi!
- Royal Artist Yi? - Yes, that's what you'll be called from now on!
You're Royal Artist Tak!
Song Yeon, I'm sorry we are the only ones promoted although you worked so hard with us.
Official Kang told me that they wanted to promote you too, but there was no precedent for such a thing.
I'm fine. I'm thankful just to be an artist!
- So what's going to happen to you? - What do you mean?
The prince has now become the king, and rumors have it that you'll be made a concubine...
Stop teasing me, Sir!
But perhaps the announcement will come shortly.
Well, she looks like she's going! If she becomes the king's concubine, that's great for me!
It's a guarantee that I'll be made an official!
- Why is that? - Didn't you know that I was her mentor?
I taught her many things, you know! So you better watch out.
Today, I wish to ask your opinion regarding a new agency I would like to set up.
- Come and explain, Chief Inspector Hong. - Yes, Your Majesty.
We have decided to establish a new guard for His Majesty's security.
The reason for that is the continuous attempts on His Majesty's life.
Thus, we have selected men from the Five Armies and the Palace Guard.
These men are the finest in military skills and they will be responsible for His Majesty's safety.
The Imperial Guard will be solely responsible for His Majesty's safety.
Their approval must be obtained in order to see the king.
- What are your thoughts, Personnel Minister? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I think that is a good idea.
Your safety must be a priority for all of us.
But which ministry would this agency fall under?
They will not be managed by any of the six ministries. I will manage them myself.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Now I will name the chief of the Imperial Guard.
The position will be third level, Tangsan designation.
As such, I will promote Chief Inspector Hong to Chief Secretary.
And he shall also be the chief of the Imperial Guard.
I know His Majesty favored Hong Gook Young.
But to promote him from Chief Inspector to Chief Secretary and Chief of the Imperial Guard?
A move like this can destabilize our government.
Not only that, Hong Gook Young was behind the reforms of the No Ron faction.
It is inconceivable that he is given this kind of power now.
His Majesty's decision will cause great chaos, Minister.
- Did you hear the news? - What news?
Chief Inspector Hong! I mean Lord Hong!
You know the reason why he was selecting men from the five armies?
- Lord Hong? Was he promoted? - That's right!
He's been made Chief Secretary!
What? Chief Secretary?
Not only that, they are creating a new Imperial Guard for His Majesty's security.
And Lord Hong will be in charge of that unit too!
What?
You mean he created a new unit to protect His Majesty and left us out?
That's right! What did I say? We've been discarded!
Let's go! Let's go and ask why we've been discarded!
Sir!
His Lordship says he is occupied and cannot meet with you.
What?
Now he won't even see us?
Dae Su! How can this be? How can he change so much?
- That can't be. He's not like that. - What do you mean he's not like that?
You just saw what happened!
- So this is your mother and younger sister? - Yes, Your Highness.
Why didn't you bring your wife as well?
You've been promoted to Chief Secretary and Chief of the Imperial Guard.
That gives your wife the position of third level and the designation of Lady.
It would have been good for her to enter the palace and observe our customs.
I regret to tell you that my wife is ill and is recuperating in Gapyung in Gyunggi province.
I never knew that. My Queen...
- Yes, Mother? - Send a royal physician to Gapyung to treat her.
I will do so, Mother.
You are most gracious, Your Highness!
I should be thankful to you.
If it weren't for you, His Majesty may not have become king.
You honor me, Your Majesty.
The queen and I will take care of your household.
So don't be worried about them and use your best effort to assist His Majesty.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What? You want me to bring Song Yeon right now?
I am going to the Grand Palace, so go to the Bureau and get Song Yeon.
But Your Majesty, why her...?
Have you forgotten what I said before? His Majesty needs an heir!
You mean you're serious about making Song Yeon a royal concubine?
- Why her...? - Don't just stand there! Go right now!
Yes, Your Majesty.
What?
I am asking you this because I know what you are planning.
What do you mean what I am planning?
What did you think of Hong Gook Young's sister?
- His sister? - Yes.
I thought she was a charming girl.
That's what I thought too.
- Your Highness... - Yes, Father?
What do you think about bringing her in as His Majesty's concubine?
His concubine?
Yes, unfortunately we can no longer put all of our hopes on Her Majesty to produce an heir.
We must bring in a concubine before it is too late.
Hong Gook Young is not only vital to His Majesty.
But he is also related to us, Poongsan Hong family.
There is no one more perfect as a concubine than his sister.
You are right, Father. I have been thinking of bringing in a concubine.
But I could not bring it up because of the queen.
- But Your Highness... - Let us wait a while longer.
The queen is a reasonable and refined lady. She will bring it up before we do.
We must wait a while longer.
Welcome, my Queen.
Forgive me for interrupting your work, Your Majesty.
Not at all. I was thinking of taking a bit of fresh air.
Since you are here, we can take a walk in the garden.
Actually, I have brought refreshments.
Indeed? Then let us have it together.
Your Majesty, Song Yeon is outside.
- Song Yeon? - Actually, I brought her here.
- You? - Yes.
- Bring her in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
You've come. Come and sit with us.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Song Yeon has done many things to help you in the past.
But since we cannot promoted her or raise her level, I wanted to thank her face to face.
Is that so?
Come to think of it, I have forgotten to thank you in person.
Thank you, Song Yeon.
You honor me, Your Majesty.
I'm going to explode!
Sir! The Chief of the Imperial Guard is looking for you!
- He's so busy! What does he want with us? - What?
Let's go. Even if we never see him again, we should ask why!
Move aside!
Welcome.
Aren't you going to congratulate me on becoming Chief Secretary and Chief of the Imperial Guard?
- Congratulations. - Congratulations, My Lord.
Looks like I've forced you but thank you anyway.
- We have something to tell you. - What is it?
How can you do this to us?
How can you create a new Imperial Guard and leave us out of it?
I don't understand it either. We risked our lives to protect His Majesty.
So how can you handle his security and leave us out?
Do you know what this is? This is His Majesty's royal letter of appointment.
Look for yourselves.
I said look at it!
- Dae Su, pinch me. - What?
Don't just stand there! Pinch me!
It's not a dream! It's real!
- Fifth level...! - Sir!
- Dae Su! - We've been promoted to fifth level!
Hooray! Hooray!
Park Dae Su...
Uncle! Uncle!
- What are you doing here? - Uncle!
What is it?
Is this real?
- Dae Su! - Uncle!
Uncle!
- Dae Su! My dear Dae Su! - What happened? Something wrong?
Look at this, Mak Soon! Dae Su has been promoted to Imperial Guard!
He's an officer of the fifth level!
- Fifth level? - That's right!
- Oh my goodness! - My nephew has been promoted to fifth level!
This is my nephew!
Your wine is all half price! Drink up!
What great news! That's great!
Drink up!
- Oh my nephew! - Oh my uncle!
Who's this? It's Dae Su!
Yes, Artist Yi.
What? Artist Yi? You must not know the ins and outs of the Bureau!
I've been promoted! I'm no longer Artist Yi, but Royal Artist Yi!
Royal Artist Yi!
Eighth level!
Congratulations, Royal Artist Yi!
Thank you. Are you still Woosema of the ninth level?
Yes, well, I've been promoted too.
Promoted? To what?
It's a new agency called the Imperial Guard that is responsible for guarding His Majesty.
I've been made an officer there. Of the fifth level.
- Fifth... fifth level? - Yes.
Is that true? Is that true.... Sir?
Yes, Royal Artist Yi.
- Did you really get promoted? - Yes, it looks like it.
That's really great! Congratulations.
- Thank you. But you know... - Yes, what is it?
- I don't see Song Yeon anywhere. - She's in the palace.
- The palace? Why? - She said she was going to see His Majesty.
Oh, His Majesty...?
Then...
Goodness, he's so handsome and now he's been promoted to fifth level...
He's so amazing! Don't you agree, Royal Artist Yi?
- Dae Su! - Oh, Song Yeon!
- It's cold! Why are you outside? - Oh, just because. Why are you so late?
I was in the palace with His Majesty and the queen.
- Did something happen? - No.
- You know, Song Yeon...? - What is it?
I've been promoted.
- What? - I've been promoted to Officer of the Imperial Army.
- Really? - Yes. It's fifth level!
Really?
That's great, Dae Su! Does Uncle know?
He must be so happy! Dae Su, you're amazing!
Well...
- You know, Song Yeon... - What is it?
- I have something to say to you. - What is it?
- You know...
It's nothing. I'll tell you next time.
- What is it? - Nothing. I'll tell you some other time.
You fool! Why can't you just say it!
Aren't those the new assistant section chiefs at the Ministry of Personnel?
- Yes, Your Majesty. - They should be in a meeting at this hour.
Why are they doing such menial tasks at this hour?
- Bring them to me. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
You are the new assistant section chiefs Woo Jung Nam and Oh Jung Tae.
- Am I right? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Why are you doing menial tasks at this time? You should be in a meeting.
His Majesty has asked you a question.
We have been told that we do not qualify to be in the meeting, Your Majesty.
What do you mean by that?
We were told that only officials of No Ron could participate in these meetings.
Nam In members like us are not allowed to join.
But we felt unworthy just sitting and doing nothing while we collect our salaries.
That is why we decided to help with these tasks.
His Majesty the King!
Your Majesty!
Why are you the only ones here?
Why don't I see the other officials of Nam In faction here?
It wasn't just the Ministry of Personnel, Your Majesty.
We found that all officials from Nam In and So Ron factions were being excluded from all six ministries.
It's not only that, Your Majesty.
- What is this? - These are from the two council offices.
They are petitions rejecting the officials you appointed.
They want the power to appoint their own staff and thereby exclude other political factions.
Those who have limited power to reject my appointments are excluding them from important meetings.
But the councils are rejecting my appointments outright.
Return these to the two councils.
But Your Highness, their response will be the same.
I know. I knew that this would not be easy.
No Ron will not let go of their status so easily.
But if they continue doing this, I have a plan as well.
Please go in.
Did you hear that His Majesty went to all meetings of the six ministries without prior notice?
Yes, I heard he was furious that Nam In officials were being excluded.
But do not worry too much.
No Ron is the foundation of our government and the roots of our literati.
This nation has always been governed by our scholars, rather than the king.
His Majesty must realize quickly that he cannot do anything without the scholars.
- You're right! - You speak the truth!
Your Majesty, did you ask for me?
Yes, welcome.
The Gyujanggak is finally ready. I wanted to show it to you first.
I am sure you disapproved of me focusing on the construction of a library at this time.
Do I look more foolish now?
Your Majesty...!
You're not disagreeing with me. Well, come with me.
- There is somewhere you have to go with me. - Where is this place?
The No Ron faction will soon cry out objections in one voice.
They will try to show me that this nation is controlled by No Ron's scholars, and not by the king.
But I said I had a plan. I will show you that plan today.
Is this one of your new innovations again?
You're the same as ever! What are you doing up there!
What are you doing here, you wretched boy?
I worried that you had gotten yourself in trouble as I hadn't seen you!
Yes, my life expectancy is longer than we all thought!
So how is this fellow you brought along?
- He's my subordinate. - Subordinate?
Hello.
You look like an interesting fellow.
What are you doing with subordinates?
Come to think of it, your clothes look nicer than before. Did you get promoted?
Promoted? Something like that.
- Actually, I've been given an important position. - Important position, my foot!
Did you get promoted to some low ninth level position?
- Look, you're too... - That's alright.
You're so mean! Ninth level! Give me some credit!
You must have bribed someone to get a position in the seventh level or something.
- Actually, it's a little higher than that. - What?
What did I tell you! I told you my family was really rich!
- What? My word! - Actually, it's a high position with the new Imperial Library.
That's why I'm here.
Why don't you come to the palace and see where I work?
Visit the palace? No!
I heard that the Imperial Library will have more than twenty thousand rare books from Qing.
- What? - You can have a peek at those books.
What about it? Are you sure you don't want to?
- I am here to see Mother. Announce me. - Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness, the Queen is here.
What did you just say? Make the Bureau damo a royal concubine?
We have no time to delay in getting an heir for His Majesty.
- That is why I am making this request... - I don't want to hear it!
That is enough!
How can you suggest someone as lowly as her?
Have I overestimated you?
How can you suggest that we sully the prestige of royalty by bringing in a concubine of peasant status?
- Mother... - I said that was enough.
I was troubled at getting an heir, but I didn't make any decisions because of you.
You mean you were thinking of this outrage all this time?
- Mother... - That's enough.
Now that you have indicated your openness in bringing in a concubine, I will handle it from here.
You may return to your chambers now.
What did I say, Your Majesty? I told you it was impossible!
I knew she would not permit it so easily.
- Your Majesty...! - I didn't make up my mind easily.
I will speak with her again until she allows it.
Your Majesty!
- A royal concubine? - Yes, that is what was overheard.
The queen has made a difficult decision.
But she has no choice as she has been unable to produce an heir.
Alright. Keep monitoring the queen's palace and let me know if anything develops.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I must show them that I am still of use.
I must escape this prison somehow.
You're so slow! Can't you hurry it up?
Don't rush me, boy! Wait until you're old like me!
- But why do you look like that? - What's wrong with how I look?
You're a slave! Why are you dressed like that?
Be quiet, old man! This gentleman is an officer of His Majesty's Imperial Guard!
What?
Teacher!
- What are you all doing here? - Yes.
We've been waiting for you.
- This is our teacher. - Nice to meet you. I am Park Jae Ga.
He is my classmate from the Confucian Academy.
He is illegitimate like the rest of us.
Do you know what this is about? His Majesty summoned you here?
I will tell you what is going on.
This is His Majesty's new Imperial Library, the Gyujunggak.
This is the reason why you are all here today.
His Majesty has entrusted the care of this Imperial Library to us illegitimate noblemen.
What do you mean by that? We'll be managing the Imperial Library?
It is as you heard. From today onwards, we are all Inspectors of the fifth level.
We will be caretakers of the Imperial Library. And you will be made Second Counselor in charge of us.
- Teacher! - Is that true?
Yes, you will be in charge of the Imperial Library starting today, My Lord!
I don't understand. If you're making fun of me, then has His Majesty lost his mind?
Second Counselor? How does His Majesty even know me?
Why would't I know you?
Your Majesty!
I know enough about you. Am I wrong?
Look here! Mind your etiquette before His Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Forgive us, Your Majesty!
We did not know who you were and spoke so recklessly! We deserve to die!
We deserve to die!
No, it is my fault for hiding my identity from you.
But please do not be too upset. I had to find out your true thoughts.
You honor us, Your Majesty!
I am especially sorry to you. I caused you great worry.
- Your Majesty! - Not at all. You are like my teacher.
Since you bring it up, may I say something?
What is it?
How long do you think we can perform our duties for?
We are bastards of noblemen.
The government and scholars will never allow people like us to be given these positions.
They will object to us and we will also be defeated by their numbers.
You overstep yourself! How dare you speak in such a way?
No, he's right.
Your Majesty!
You're right. It will not be easy.
They will most certainly rise up in protest.
But if they reject me today, I will start again tomorrow.
And if they reject me tomorrow, I will start again the following day.
I cannot guarantee anything.
But until the day comes when government is no longer corrupt and you can fulfill your dreams,
I will fight everyday.
That is my answer to your question.
So what do you think? I can only show you my determination.
Will you support me and have faith in me?
- Yes, Your Majesty! - Yes, Your Majesty!
Minister, have you seen this?
How can the new Imperial Library be handled by half-noblemen?
Your Majesty! How can you suggest half-noblemen?
We have customs and practices! How can you reject all of these to appoint half-nobles!
This is inconceivable. Please take back your decree!
Please hear our plea!
- What will you do if I say no? - Your Majesty!
It's no use. I have already made up my mind.
- That is how it will be! - Your Majesty!
Forgive me, but your decisions are arbitrary and unilateral!
Our government is not ruled by just the king alone!
We have ministries overseeing the nation.
Why do you try to control government by yourself?
You're accusing me of trying to control government?
I am not the one guilty of that. You are!
Look around you.
Everyone is of the same political faction!
All I ask is for you to allow others to join you.
All I am asking for is to add those of other factions who have difference in opinions.
But who were the ones who rejected me?
It was you. You who now accuse me of trying to control government!
Did you say arbitrary and unilateral?
That's right. I will no longer accept your arbitrary and unilateral decisions!
So if you will not follow my wishes, you must give up your positions!
There are many others who are qualified to take over your roles!
Your Majesty, the No Ron members will be up to something.
If they rise up against you, government will be paralyzed!
But even so, we must not back off, Minister.
Secretary Hong is right.
If they do not heed my words, they will find out that I was speaking in vain.
Why is everyone standing there?
This is big! This is really big!
- Our inn is going to have great business! - What do you mean?
I just saw the posting on the marketplace!
It says that His Majesty will be selecting two thousand men from the civil examinations this year!
What? Two thousand?
I have never seen that many people be appointed to government before!
So what will happen? All the scholars in the country will be here!
That means our inn will be making a fortune!
- A fortune! - A fortune!
When are we going to finish all those paintings?
Our Bureau will be doing something for the Civil Examinations? Tell me!
His Majesty will be selecting two thousand men from the civil examinations this year!
That means there will be a few thousand if not ten thousand candidates in the city.
They're saying there may be more than ten examination halls.
We're going to die drawing all of those records!
Why did His Majesty give such an order?
Two thousand men? Does he mean to change the entire government?
You're so dense! That's what I'm saying!
His Majesty is announcing to his ministers that he wants a new government!
What?
- We've got so much work ahead of us! - I know.
- We must protest to His Majesty. - Yes, we cannot let this pass!
Don't you agree, Minister?